Thursday, March 2, 2017

Buenos Aires, Argentine

39th operating temple

2 Nephi 24:1-32

Babylon will be destroyed.  What kinds of rest do you think Israel will experience in the millennium?

Alma 13-14:12

13- Men are called as high priests because of their exceeding faith and good works - They are to teach the commandments - Through righteousness they are sanctified and enter into the rest of the Lord - Melchizedek was one of these - Angels are declaring glad tidings throughout the land - They will declare the actual coming of Christ.

14 - Alma and Amulek are imprisoned and smitten - The believers and their holy scriptures are burned by fire - These martyrs are received by the Lord in glory - The Prison walls are rent and fall - Alma and Amulek are delivered, and their persecutors are slain.

DC 36-37:4

How has receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost helped me?

Talk: "The Holy Ghost As Your Companion

By: President Henry B. Eyring

October 2015

General Conference

The Master Healer

Carole M. Stephens

"Hope and healing are not found in the dark abyss of secrecy but in the light and love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Complete healing will come through your faith in Jesus Christ and His power and capacity, through His Atonement, to heal the scars of that which is unjust and undeserved.  Rely on the endowment of power made available to each of us through ordinances and covenants.  Allow the healing power of the Savior and His Atonement into your life."

James made me oatmeal for breakfast and drove me to my appointment.  We stopped at Chandler Eyecare on the way.  Sheri fixed my glass frames for me and also ordered me some new lenses because she said the ones I am using are scratched.  

When I got to Dr. Shah's office I asked for the nitrous oxide and the girl at the desk just added it to my bill.  Having this tooth extracted was one of the weirdest experiences of my life; pounding, pressure, and drilling and oh what a trip those drugs put me on for a few minutes.  Thank goodness that afterwards I did not experience alot of pain.  I thin the nitrous oxide gas helped to relax me.  On the way home we stopped at Boston Market and got me some soft foods.  Mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and mashed sweet potatoes.  

James is really taking care of me.  After lunch he went shopping at Walmart and got me some Jello, and Dr. Pepper 10's.  He sacrifices so much to serve me and I am very grateful.

This afternoon James needed the car for something so Cathi took me to Hobby Lobby in her car.  She needed a Hobby Lobby fix too.

I bought this to put fruit in with my 40% off coupon

Cathi made shadow boxes for Christmas.  I think I want to do that next year for my kids so we went and looked at all the miniatures.  Here are some of the things I saw that I liked:

This one for Ruby to go with the one she already has.

This evening James and I talked with Cathi and Terry, mostly Cathi, about our will, who should be our executor, and burial and funeral insurance.  James and I have a lot of planning to do.

James and I went to Kneader's for some soup for me for dinner. 

Kilee came over to talk with Cathi so James and I went into the bedroom to read.

Fun Photos:

182 lb. wolf shot in Cook, New Mexico.

The Three Musketeers:

Evan, Rowan, Joshua 

Evan, Joshua, Rowan

Rowan, Evan, Joshua

What a growth spurt Evan had!

Joshua, Rowan, Evan

One of my all-time favorite pictures!

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

2 Nephi 23:1-22

While we might be living in "Zion" do you still stream content from "Babylon," shop from their clothing line, or weave their teachings into "Zion's" gospel?  How else might we have a foot in "Babylon"?

Alma 12

Alma speaks to Zeezrom - The mysteries of God can be given only to the faithful - Men are judged by their thoughts, beliefs, words, and works - The wicked will suffer a spiritual death - This mortal life is a probationary state - The plan of redemption brings to pass the Resurrection and, through faith, a remission of sins - The repentant have a claim on mercy through the Only Begotten Son.

DC 35:13-27

13-16, The Lord's servants will thresh the nations by the power of the Spirit; 17-19, Joseph Smith holds the keys of the mysteries; 20-21, The elect will abide the day of the Lord's coming; 22-27, Israel will be saved.

General Conference

I Will Bring the Light of the Gospel into My Home

Jean B. Bingham

"Our obligation and privilege is to embrace improvement in everyone as we strive to become more like our Savior,

Jesus Christ."

Contrite Spirit

Chapter 14 - "The Temple and the Natural Order of Marriage"

Preach My Gospel - My Purpose As a Missionary - Helping Others Make Commitments: The Door to Faith and Repentance

James and I left for the valley around 9:30 this morning.  Here are the stops we made: Vernon post office, Dr. Moffat's in Lakeside, gas, carwash, and Arby's in Show Low.  Of course we went the Globe way so we could stop at Burger House.  We ordered 17 burros before leaving Show Low and told them when we would be there.  I am so glad we ordered ahead because the line was out the door.  The reason we ordered so many burros was because we ordered four for Kim and Brian and two for Sheri and Ian.  The other 11 were for Terry, Cathi, James, and I.  Can you tell we really like them?

The Wave, Arizona

We made it to Dr. Allen's in Mesa on Power and Baseline right at my appointment time, 1:45.  My appointment was with Ruth Hoskins the PA.  Before she came in the girl who took my blood pressure and weighed me ask me some really weird questions: "Count from 20 backwards.  Count from December backwards and who is the President of the United States and what day is it.  It sounded like a psychological evaluation to me.  All this for thyroid and hormone pills?  Maybe they were checking for Alzheimer's since I'm an Oldtimer.

When I got to Cathi and Terry's I took a two hour nap.  They weren't home when we first got there because they had taken the dogs to see the vet.  Indy just had seven teeth pulled and it was time for a post op checkup.  

When Cathi got home she convinced me that I should ask for nitrous oxide gas tomorrow while they pull my tooth.  I told her I would.  I am a little worried about whether or not they will do my infusion on Friday since I will be on an antibiotic after the tooth extraction.  I would call the arthritis office but I would not be able to speak to a real person anyway so I will take my chances. 

This evening James and I went to visit with his mom and sister Dawn.  This was Lois's project for February:

Making Christmas stockings for Gail's grandkids.

These are just a few.  She made over 20.

One of my favorites because it is purple.

This picture doesn't do it justice.

Speaking of Gail's family:

Gail on the right and Aaron's son Beckham on the left.

Dawn gave me a real microscope she bought for $10 at a store for teacher's.  She also gave me some slides and then showed me some slides I could order.  Thank you Dawn!

We had a nice visit and even called Gail to see if he would be coming down anytime soon.  It sounds like he is too busy.  Lois wants to plan a time for all of her children and their spouses to go out to dinner.  For refreshments we had some delicious brownies.  

When we got back to Terry and Cathi's I had a burro and then before going to bed I read to James from The Seven Tipping Points That Saved the World.

Fun Photos

My Hero!

Sheri's Hero!

My favorite is the self-portrait Evan drew on

the lower right.

I LOVE this baby picture of Molly!!

I almost missed seeing the green chick by her legs.

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Brigham City, Utah

139th Operating Temple

2 Nephi 21:1-22:6

What could an ensign symbolize for us?

21-The stem of Jesse (Christ) will judge in righteousness-The knowledge of God will cover the earth in the Millennium-The Lord will raise an ensign and gather Israel-Compare Isaiah 11.

The stem of Jesse is Jesus Christ.  The root of Jesse is Joseph Smith.  Chapter 21 begins as a testimony of Jesus Christ.  It also prophesies of modern prophets and modern events. 

Chapter 22 speaks of the Savior and the Millennium.  Where would we be without the Savior? (see 2 Nephi 9:8-10)

Alma 10:15-Alma 11

10- Lehi descended from Manasseh-Amulek recounts the angelic command that he care for Alma-The prayers of the righteous cause the people to be spared-Unrighteous lawyers and judges lay the foundation of the destruction of the people.

11- The Nephite monetary system is set forth - Amulek contends with Zeezrom - Christ will not save people in their sins - Only those who inherit the kingdom of heaven are saved - All men will rise in immortality - There is no death after the Resurrection.

DC 35:1-12

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at or near Fayette, New York, December 7, 1830.  At this time, the Prophet was engaged almost daily in making a translation of the Bible.

1-2, How men may become the sons of God 3-7, Sidney Rigdon is called to baptize and to confer the Holy Ghost; 8-12, Signs and miracles are wrought by faith.

Have there been miracles brought about in my life because of my faith? Yes there have!!

Talk: "By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled" by Marcus B. Nash

October 2012

General Conference

Repentance: A Joyful Choice

By Elder Dale G. Renlund

"Instead of making excuses, let us choose repentance.  When we understand how our sins can affect our eternal happiness, we not only become truly penitent but we also strive to become better."

My first breakfast, during my early morning gospel study, consisted of a tortilla and some hot cider.  

I read from "Contrite Spirit" today about Marriage, At-One-Ment, and the Temple.  There has been a massive cultural shift in our society regarding the importance of marriage since the 1960's when no fault divorce became legal.  The hearts of the people are, for the most part, turning against marriage.

It is snowing and blowing outside today.  It snowed all morning and then in the afternoon the sun was shining.  Crazy weather I tell you.

Everything was covered in white and then the sun came out and melted all the snow, then it would snow again.  In the end the sun won because at the end of the day there was no snow left.

By the end of the day all the snow was gone.

An elk walking down the highway near Show Low.

I got a serious craving today for a waffle.  I told James and to my surprise he said, "Well then go make one."  So I did.  I made two. The second one looked better than this one but I only got one picture.

So delicious!

James and I started a new book today.  We finished
"Lady of the Lakes" yesterday.  It was a good love story.

Today we started a book that I started last year but never finished.  It's called "The Seven Tipping Points That Saved the World" by Chris and Ted Stewart.  It is history along with a little historical fiction in the way of personal stories.  I think James is going to like it.

James keeps a fire going and our home is nice and cozy despite the weather outside.  He also has been researching new insurance for my car.  He found some with National General that is $45 cheaper than I was paying with Nationwide.  Thank you honey!

This evening President Trump gave a speech to the joint sessions of congress.  Chris Wallace had this to say about it:

"It was the best speech I have heard Donald Trump give.  I feel like tonight Donald Trump became the President of the United States."

We watched a movie on the "Up" channel this evening called "Accidental Engagement."  It was a cute movie but the Up channel is not in HD.

Fun Photos

Lola has changed quite a bit in the last two years.

Dallin and his band.

Addy in 2013

James stuck in the snow on April 20, 2016

On Christmas Tree Trail.

Molly and Emmy in the ER after their rollover accident

on Thanksgiving day a couple of years ago.

What year was this Jared?

Three handsome guys joined us for Thanksgiving dinner

the year of the rollover accident. 

Anna and Jared had to go rescue Tricia, Emmy, and Molly and missed out on Thanksgiving dinner.

Monday, February 27, 2017

Bountiful, Utah 

47th Operating Temple

2 Nephi 20:12-34 (Compare Isaiah 10)

Social injustices exist in the northern kingdom of Israel.  The kingdom of Assyria is an instrument in God's hand to punish Israel. God destroys Assyria, which is a type of destruction at the Second Coming.  A remnant of Israel will return in the last days.  Understanding the gospel is one thing.  Living it is another.  We are commanded to care for the poor and needy.  The obsession of ancient Assyria was land, power, and wealth.  The Lord burned and consumed the Assyrians as a type of the burning that will take place at His Second Coming, in a world also obsessed with land, wealth, and power. During this testing time the righteous must continue to love God, trust in His promises, be patient and be assured.  2 Nephi 20 teaches us to wait upon the Lord with faith and never give up, but to "stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for His arm to be revealed" (DC 123:17)

Alma 9-10:4

9-Alma commands the people of Ammonihah to repent-The Lord will be merciful to the Lamanites in the last days-If the Nephites forsake the light, they will be destroyed by the Lamanites-The Son of God will come soon-He will redeem those who repent, are baptized, and have faith in His name. 

DC 34:1-12

What can you do in your life now to prepare for the Second Coming?

Talk: "Preparation for the Restoration and the Second Coming. My Hand Be Over Thee"

By: Robert D. Hales

October 2005

I listened to this talk by Elder Hales and absolutely loved it!

General Conference

'No Greater Joy Than To Know That They Know

By Elder K. Brett Nattress

"I am grateful for the gift of the Book of Mormon.  I know that it is true!  It contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I am unaware of anyone who is diligently reading the Book of Mormon each day with pure intent and with faith in Christ who has lost their testimony and fallen away.  Moroni's prophetic promise carries with it the key to know the truth of all things including having the ability to discern and avoid the deceptions of the adversary."

(See Moroni 10:4-5)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DAD

WHO WAS BORN IN 1931 AND WOULD

BE 86 YEARS OLD TODAY

This is my favorite picture of my dad because he was

happiest on the back of a horse living out in the middle

of nowhere on the Milky Ranch.

The Milky Ranch is near the Petrified Forest

and the Painted Desert.

 My dad was a successful businessman in Show Low for many years when he ran Kings Market later renamed Double MM

Market before it was gutted by a fire.  It was after that my dad was able to live and breath ranching.

My dad's parents:

Verdie Rea Robinson

and

Arlee T. Maxwell

Although my mom and dad's marriage didn't last,

I believe her loved my mom and she loved him.

This is me as a baby.

Aunt Gene on the left was my dad's only sibling.

She is with my brother Dennis's wife Denise.  

Aunt Gene is my only living tie to my

dad's family.  I love her. She will be 90 years old in March.

I am grateful for this knowledge and I am sure

my dad is too.

My friend Hailey came over today and demonstrated LipSense lipstick.  I bought two colors.

It's suppose to last all day

I got a text from Addy today asking if I would be in the valley next Monday, March 6th.  Actually I am going down this Wednesday for a tooth extraction and my infusion but we are planning on coming back Saturday.  She wants me to come to her choir concert.  She has had two other concerts I have not been able to attend so I told her I would be there.  We will just come home Saturday, teach our classes on Sunday and go back to the valley on Monday.

We heard some sad news today.  Our primary care physician, Dr. Moffat was suppose to be in his new office today but a fire destroyed it Saturday night.  Dr. Moffat is an amazing man who makes house calls and really cares about people.  We love and appreciate him and hope he can get in to that new office very soon.

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Boston, Massachusetts

100th Operating Temple

2 Nephi 19:1-20:11

Four evils denounced and four warnings pronounced.

How do you combat the four evils Isaiah denounces - pride, errant leaders, wickedness, and neglecting the poor and needy?

Alma 7:11-Alma 8

7-Christ will be born of Mary-He will loose the bands of death and bear the sins of His people-Those who repent, are baptized, and keep the commandments will have eternal life-Filthiness cannot inherit the kingdom of God-Humility, faith, hope, and charity are required.

8-Alma preaches and baptizes in Melek-He is rejected in Ammonihah and leaves-An angel commands him to return and cry repentance unto the people-He is received by Amulek, and the two of them preach in Ammonihah. About 82 B.C.

DC 33:1-18

How can we always be sure to have enough oil in our lamps?

Talk: "The C's of Spirituality"

By: Robert E. Wells

General Conference:

'Lest Thou Forget' by Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"As you faithfully live the gospel of Jesus Christ 

and abide by it's teachings, your testimony will be protected and it will grow.  Keep the covenants you have made, regardless of the actions of those around you.  Be diligent parents, brothers and

sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends who

strengthen loved ones with personal testimony and who share

spiritual experiences.  Remain faithful and steadfast, even if

storms of doubt invade your lives through the actions of others.

Seek that which will edify and fortify you spiritually.

Avoid counterfeit offerings of so-called truths which are so pervasive, and remember to record your feelings of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO

THESE TWO GRANDSONS!

Adam who is turning 27

Joe who is turning 20

This is the advice I have for them:

Jace A. was our youth speaker in sacrament meeting today.  He forgot he was giving a talk so he got up and told a story about fasting and praying for a chance to participate in long jump on the track team and how his prayers were answered.  It couldn't have been better if he was prepared.

Sister Wallace spoke on the importance of family history and how she started out little by little doing what she called genealogy after she joined the church.  James ask her after sacrament meeting how many names she has submitted for temple work.  Her answer: Around 25,000.  She said she would love to help anyone who needs help with doing research.  

Sister Johnson started her talk by telling a story about a time when she brought her five year old grandson to church.  He kept talking and she kept shushing him.  When they got home he said to her: "Grandma, now I know why you wanted me to be quiet in church." Her response: "Why?"   "Because everyone was sleeping."

Sister Johnson spoke on service and what an amazing example she is.  She gives so much community service and is involved in just about everything there is to do in Vernon.  I loved this quote from her talk:

"Feed yourself spiritually so you have something to

give to others."

I had my Primary class today and Sister Hall's. The lesson was on the witnesses of the gold plates.  I loved the story of how Mary Whitmer got to see the plates and how the Angel Moroni appeared to her as an old man when she went out to the barn to milk the cow.  She had been working extra hours since the Smith's had come to live with her and Brother Whitmer.  She was not ask to bear testimony of the plates.  The visit was strictly to buoy her up at a time when she was tired and a little stressed. 

  These are the children who attended my class: Zemira, Colter, Lianna, and Curtis.  We have two visitors from the valley, the Allen's granddaughters Bently who lives in Gilbert and Briden who lives in Queen Creek.

I finally had the opportunity to give Lianna her Valentine:

For lunch today we had soup and tuna sandwiches.  During my gospel study I ask Pam G. if I could come by for a visit and bring her a Valentine.  I am her new visiting teacher but we are also pretty good friends.  She said she didn't want to be my assignment and so I bore my testimony of visiting teaching to her. She is a convert and may not be aware of how visiting teaching works.  She gives so much service in the community visiting people in the hospital and rest homes.  She is a wonderful example of what a visiting teacher should be only she does it without being assigned.

My Arizona picture for today taken in my own

backyard.

We have decided not to have the TV on on Sunday anymore.  There are so many more important things to do on the Sabbath.  Needless to say we missed the Oscars.

Fun Photos:

I think this was taken of Molly

about three years ago at a soccer game.

I absolutely love this picture!

Family Portrait 1978